Drawing on Words

My mother recently died and her memorial service was in Kansas.  I wrote about that in the post: Maxine Bowman

Soon after returning back to Oregon, a dear friend of mine died.  It was to be a relatively uneventful procedure which surprisingly turned into two horrible months in the hospital before she decided that her body had had enough.  I was honored to be a small part of the service celebrating her life. More than that, I was honored to be her friend.

During the days and weeks before my friend died, many of us had a type of phone tree.  Any update would be sent through text, tweet, FB share, phone, or voice.  Those receiving messages would send them on to their friends and family. We requested prayers, chants, and good thoughts for the family and doctors.

Those who make fun of the “coldness” of social media – just aren’t doing it right. A pebble, dropped into a clear pond can make waves that reach a bank unknown.  That’s how I felt when texting out prayer or support requests.  Grandbabies drew hearts and gave extra hugs.  Twitter friends sent supportive messages that lifted my spirits.

So, a community can be old school (face to face) or a wish sent, in the blink of an eye, half way around the world.  I like that we can re-define community and I want to thank those who have given me such support.

Whatever you do….pick up the phone, text, send a card, tweet.  It’s not nothing.  It can really make someone’s day.

When my husband and I returned from the memorial service, there was a hand crafted card (pictured above) tucked in our mail box from my sister.  Sweet words of support were written inside.  A great model for us all. Reach out to your community, however you define it.

We heal together.